Tuesday, February 23, 2010

"The Vintage Table" by Jacqueline de Montravel

When a review copy of "The Vintage Table" arrived on my desk, I knew from one glimpse at the beautiful interior I was going to love it. The book, written by Jacqueline de Montravel and the editors of Romantic Homes, is subtitled "Personal Treasures and Standout Settings," and I'm happy to say this is one volume that lives up to its publicity.

Even the title page is pretty, and I think the typography shown here and on the cover is just so very lovely.

Several sections of the book specifically address the topic of teatime, and I was quite charmed by the little crocheted cup covers in the image at lower right. If I find some cups that are small enough, I know I can crochet those covers! Maybe to serve homemade sugar cubes. (What would you use them for?)

Fans of the shabby chic style of decorating will find much to admire in this book, including many images of vintage teawares in rose print designs. The book also has lots to say about the dishes we use daily, and this quote told me I was among kindred spirits: "Everyday dishware is like the friend you can count on to make you smile." That's certainly how I feel about the Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz dishes I use every day!

It's not all roses and pastels, however, as this cheery red table setting beautifully shows. There is lots of eye candy in this book, but it also encourages you to make an inventory of your own tablewares and consider new ways of combining them. I was surprised at how reading this book reminded me of my grandmother's pink crocheted tablecloth I haven't used in ages, and how I suddenly recalled those new teapot placecard holders I've never even taken out of the package. My favorite recommendation from the book? Start keeping a tableware diary! Now isn't that just a grand idea? It's one of many I took away from reading this beautiful, and useful, new book.

OMG I've been trying to "see inside" this book since it was published in Dec. It's a little pricey and has to be ordered even through our local B&N store. I can't thank you enough for sharing this...it looks even better than I hoped it would...gotta go now, going to order it right away!

That does look like a very nice book. Perfect to help with tablescape planning and teatime. A tableware diary would be handy tool to keep track of all those pieces that are tucked away and often forgotten.

I think little girls would like to drink out of the crocheted cups, if they are big enough and sturdy enough to hold tea. When I have my little girls' tea, the "mamas" are always worried about their daughters breaking my teacups. I don't worry, because I just want the girls to have fun, but with those cute cups everyone would win!

I want, I want, I want! ha ha Beautiful book is right ~ sigh.... I too think those crocheted covers are sooo cute! I would use them for "gifties"... such as a hostess gift with mints or decorated sugar cubes, etc.

was googling this book and came across your blog, i hope you can stop by and visit food for thought, a little blog i started where you literally cook what authors mention. you can read how to participate on my sidebar at food for thought. mary did a GORGEOUS review on this book you might enjoy, follow the links when you get there.

i hope you might join in sometime, you read, cook and take pics, a perfect combo for fft, every other saturday, hope to SEE what you are reading soon~ jain